Whether you’re looking food, fun, or fireworks, you can find them all at a slew of holiday events being held in cities throughout the Boise area Wednesday.
IN BOISE –
The day begins with the Gem State Kiwanis 4th of July Pancake Breakfast, by the Gene Harris Bandshell in Julia Davis Park. The breakfast runs from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. General admission is $8 per person, seniors is $7, and children 13 years and younger get in for $5. Or a family can enjoy the breakfast for $25. The event is free for active members of the military and their families. For more information., you can call 208-331-1456.
Then, in the evening, Boise’s 12th annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration is back at Ann Morrison Park.
Families are invited to spend the evening at the park and enjoy the free fireworks show, synced to music on 107.1 K-HITS.
The fireworks are scheduled to begin at 10:15 p.m., but festivities in Ann Morrison Park will begin at 4 p.m. Food and drink vendors will be on site and beer and wine will be available for purchase for those 21 and older.
Ann Morrison Park will be closed to vehicles all day on the Fourth of July, but people who plan to watch the fireworks are still welcome to walk or ride a bike in throughout the day, city officials said. Outside food and drinks are also permitted in the park, but no glass bottles will be allowed.
Some items to note:
-Ann Morrison will be closed to non-permitted vehicles from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, July 4
-ADA Parking will be available for individuals with disabled placards
-No Parking will be allowed on Crescent Rim Drive above the park from sunrise to 11 p.m. Wednesday, July 4
-The Boise Police Department will be closing Crescent Rim to through traffic starting at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday
-Residents who live within the Crescent Rim closure area will be allowed access until 9:30 p.m. Boise Police Department will then close road completely for the duration of the fireworks show
Street closures will be implemented at the following locations:
-Crescent Rim and Latah
-Crescent Rim and Eastover Terrace
-Additional detours will be implemented in the area due to Emerald St. road work
Additional parking locations for the fireworks celebration include:
-Boise State University at the Brady Street Garage
-Eastman garage at 848 W. Main St.
-Capitol Terrace garage at 770 W. Main St.
-City Centre garage at 312 S. 9th St.
-Grove Street garage at 234 S. 10th St.
-Boulevard garage at 245 S. Capitol Blvd.
-Myrtle Street garage at 789 W. Broad Street
As for floating the Boise River on Independence Day:
-Barber Park Shuttle Service will pick floaters and equipment up at its normal Ann Morrison location. Last pick up will be at 7:00 p.m.
-All other floater pick up will be located at 1104 Royal Blvd parking lot (see map [parks.cityofboise.org])
-AN IMPORTANT NOTE – the floater pick-up area is a LOADING ZONE ONLY, so officials say to please plan accordingly.
Helpful tips for attendees:
-No fireworks or sparklers are allowed in the park
-Drones are not permitted
-Please leave your pets at home
-Consider bringing water, sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight and a blanket or chair to sit on
-Bring a flashlight to facilitate a safe and visible exit from the park after the show.
-No glass bottles or containers are allowed in the park.
-Alcoholic beverages are illegal within 250 feet of the Boise River
-Smoking is prohibited except in a designated area in the southwest corner of the park near the duck pond
-The Disc Golf Course will be closed July 3rd/4th in Ann Morrison Park
At the conclusion of the fireworks, Americana Boulevard will be closed for approximately 45 minutes to allow pedestrians to exit the park. Boise Police officers will assist pedestrians exiting the park and will also be staffing closures at Americana/Shoreline and Americana/Emerald/Latah. Officers will also be in the area of Capitol/University to assist pedestrians crossing Capitol Boulevard.
Traffic may be heavily congested as you leave Ann Morrison Park.
IN CALDWELL:
The city’s 4th of July Parade and Celebration starts at 9 a.m. Events in Memorial Park, 618 Irving St., get underway at 10:30 a.m. and include a car show, food, a bike contest, a pie-eating contest, and a number of vendors. Fireworks begin at 10 p.m. at Brothers Parks. For information, go to cityofcaldwell.org.
IN EMMETT:
The city’s 4th of July events take place at the Gem Island Sports Complex, beginning at 8 p.m. There will vendors, food and a lot of family activities. Fireworks are scheduled to start shortly after 10 p.m.
IN GLENNS FERRY:
The Glenns Ferry 4th of July Parade starts at 11 a.m. It begins at the fairgrounds and winds up at the Glenns Ferry City Park. There will be food, games and vendors throughout the day. Fireworks start at dusk. There is no admission.
IN MERIDIAN:
An afternoon and evening of family activities kicks off at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday in Storey Park and culminates with a huge fireworks show, presented in partnership with the Meridian Speedway, shortly after dusk (around 10:15 p.m.).
The celebration includes three-legged races, hula-hoop contests and other games for the whole family. There will also be an inflatable obstacle course, slide and bounce houses. Event attendees are welcome to bring their own picnic into the park or pick-up some tasty treats from the food vendors: Rusty Dog, Idaho Five Star Funnel Cake and Banditos. Vendors will be onsite making fresh kettle corn and shaved ice treats.
Local musicians Zach Quintana and Friends will start the day off with Blues & Rock N’ Roll. Then, at 7:30 p.m. Simple Ruckus will close-out the evening with their high energy top 40 dance music.
Personal fireworks will not be allowed in the park or the surrounding area due to safety concerns. Also, Storey Bark Park will close at 9:00 p.m. in order to secure the fireworks drop zone.
Races at Meridian Speedway will begin at 6:30 p.m. For those who would like to watch the races or fireworks from the Speedway stands, admission tickets can be purchased at the Speedway box office at 335 S. Main Street in Meridian
IN MELBA:
Melba’s annual "Olde Tyme" 4th of July celebration gets underway at 6 a.m. to runs until dusk. Activities include arts and crafts, a fun run, a car show, games, food and, of course, fireworks. For more information, check out their website at
melba4thofjuly.com.
IN NAMPA:
The American Legion Riders are holding a 4th of July event at Lloyd Square in downtown Nampa. It runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
IN STAR:
The Star Hometown Celebration starts at 8 a.m. and runs until dusk. Activities include a parade, a pie auction, a talent show, fireworks and music by The Fabulous Chancellors. For more information, go to: staridaho.us.
IN YELLOW PINE:
The Yellow Pine Independence Day Parade starts at 2 p.m.
Ice cream will be served at the Community Hall beginning at 2:30 p.m. Fireworks start at dusk.
